Soy Far, Soy Good?

Much has been said about the health benefits of soy. Soy is a complete protein -- the only non-animal product to boast that claim -- and it benefits cholesterol, lowering levels of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, and raising HDL, or "good" cholesterol. Its high calcium levels contribute to bone health, and isoflavones (the main phytochemical present in soy), magnesium and boron strengthen bones. Soy is heart healthy, lowering blood pressure, and it may prevent some cancers, like colon cancer. And soy has a wide range of benefits for perimenopausal and menopausal women. However, all of that good news does come with caution. The jury is out on the safety of large amounts of soy for breast cancer survivors and those at risk for breast cancer.